Do not let the artificial obliterate the natural; do not let will obliterate destiny; do not let virtue be sacrificed to fame.
ZHUANGZIDo not let the artificial obliterate the natural; do not let will obliterate destiny; do not let virtue be sacrificed to fame.
ZHUANGZILook at this window: it is nothing but a hole in the wall, but because of it the whole room is full of light. So when the faculties are empty, the heart is full of light.
ZHUANGZIWhen the heart is right, “for” and “against” are forgotten.
ZHUANGZIStudy is to study what cannot be studied. Undertaking means undertaking what cannot be undertaken. Philosophizing is to philosophize about what cannot be philosophized about. Knowing that knowing is unknowable is true perfection.
ZHUANGZIGood order results spontaneously when things are let alone.
ZHUANGZIVerily God does not reward man for what he does, but for what he is.
ZHUANGZIListening stops with the ears, the mind stops with recognition, but spirit is empty and waits on all things.
ZHUANGZIThe right way to go easy is to forget the right way.
ZHUANGZIMen of this world all rejoice in others being like themselves, and object to others not being like themselves.
ZHUANGZIA petty thief is put in jail. A great brigand becomes a ruler of a Nation.
ZHUANGZIThe saying goes, ‘The sage rests, truly rests and is at ease.’ This manifests itself in calmness and detachment, so that worries and distress cannot affect him, nothing unpleasant can disturb him, his Virtue is complete and his spirit is not stirred up.
ZHUANGZIWhen the shoe fits, the foot is forgotten. When the belt fits, the belly is forgotten. When the heart is right, “for” and “against” are forgotten. No drives, no compulsions, no needs, no attractions: Then your affairs are under control. You are a free man.
ZHUANGZIThe World is Large – Its beauty indescrible.
ZHUANGZILet your mind wander in the pure and simple. Be one with the infinite. Let all things take their course.
ZHUANGZIMen do not mirror themselves in running water – they mirror themselves in still water. Only what is still can still the stillness of other things.
ZHUANGZIDuring our dreams we do not know we are dreaming. We may even dream of interpreting a dream. Only on waking do we know it was a dream. Only after the great awakening will we realize that this is the great dream.
ZHUANGZI